The National Hispanic University and Calpulli Tonalehqueh
Celebrate Azteca New Year March 12-13

Weekend celebration features Aztec dancing, food and local artisans

San José, Calif. - February 14, 2011- The National Hispanic University (NHU) in partnership with Calpulli Tonalehqueh has invited the local community to join in its celebration of the Azteca Mexica New Year March 12 through 13. The event is free to the public.

The celebration will take place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the campus of NHU (14271 Story Road, San Jose). Festivities include Native Dancers and musicians representing the Ohlone, Pomo, Zuni, Northern and Southern Traditional, Quechua and Azteca Mexica people. The celebration begins Saturday, March 12 at 6 a.m. with a traditional sunrise ceremony, honoring the Elders.

“Bringing culturally diverse events to the San Jose community is an important goal for NHU,” said Dr. David Lopez, president of The National Hispanic University. “We are excited to host this event, and to bring the Aztec culture and traditions to our students.”

The program culminates on March 13th, with a full-day of activities including an open-air market featuring local and statewide food, arts & crafts vendors and a continuation of live dance and musical performances. Educational workshops will also be available for the general public.

“We are thrilled to be offering a number of lectures with our Teacher Ocelocoatl Sergio Ramirez Muñoz who will explain how the relationships between man, time, space and movement have been measured by our ancestors and how we relate to these energies today.” said Yei Tochtli Mitlalpilli, event organizers.

Founded in 2004, Calpulli Tonalehqueh is an Azteca Mexica community based in San Jose, CA. The name is from the ancient Nahuatl language meaning “The Guardians Who Accompany the Sun.” Their mission is to create a space where the community can practice and be educated on the native culture of Mexico and the Americas.

For more information you can find Calpulli Tonalehqueh on Facebook. Some of the top entertainers scheduled to perform include:

Xavier Quijas Yxayotl

Martin Espina

Nayo Ulloa

About The National Hispanic University

The National Hispanic University (NHU) was founded in 1981 to provide Hispanic students with access to quality higher education. NHU offers a diverse portfolio of undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in business, education and information technology, delivered in a multicultural, collaborative and supportive learning environment. The 11-acre campus is located in California’s Silicon Valley. NHU is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), http://www.wascsenior.org. More than 500 students attend NHU. For more information, visit www.NHU.edu.